Explore every episode of the podcast The Nitro Express Podcast

In episode 68, part one of a 4 part mini series on western hunting. Jon and Matthew break down some rifle considerations as well as cartridge options for your upcoming elk hunt. Jon shares some elk hunting stories and Matthew breaks down the numbers as normal. Best of luck afield this fall!

Thank you for listening! We appreciate each and every one of you. Please consider sharing us with a friend. As always, feel free to reach out to us at thenitroexpresspodcast@gmail.com

In this short, Matthew and Jon share with you one of, if not the best travel booking agent in the hunting business: Gracy Travel. We are not sponsored in any way, but wanted to give credit where credit is due. Jon has been using them for over 25 years and Matthew has used them on every Safari. They are great at what they do and their people on the ground are phenomenal.

Cover photo is Matthew and Bruce from Gracy Travel at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. If you were curious, yes, the pigeons still roam there.

Thanks for listening! Check us out on Instagram and send us an email at thenitroexpresspodcast@gmail.com

In episode 67, Jon and Matthew break down the good, the bad, and the ugly of their recent hunt. It is always painful to share shortcomings , but truth is a necessity.

Cover photo is a buffalo track

We hope you enjoyed this episode and thank you for listening! We appreciate each and every one of you and wish you all the best on your upcoming adventutres.

In episode 66, Matthew sits down with some great new friends, Mason and Nick. The were in camp with the Professor and Matthew at Limcroma in June 2026. This was their first time on Safari, and they have lots of good insight and information for all you first timers. We envy you!

Cover photo is Nick, Mason, and Troy (Mason's dad) with Mason's HUGE 47 7/8" sable.

Apologies if our audio quality isn't as high as normal, this one was recorded live at OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa.

In episode 65, Matthew and Jon break down the three most common, uncommon cartridges. These are all 50 (1/2 inch) cartridges and include the 505 Gibbs, 500 Jeffery, and the 500 Nitro Express 3". Matthew breaks down some case specs, potential performance, and the availability of rifles, ammo, and reloading components. This is a step into the true stopping rifles and we hope you enjoy, even if Juan Loco was distracted by his stomach at the end.

Cover photo is a 500 NE next to a 17 HMR

Thanks for listening! Share us with a friend, give us a follow on instagram, and send us an email at thenitroexpresspocast@gmail.com

In episode 64, Jon and Matthew share with you the excitement they have for leaving for Limcroma Safaris in just a few days. This episode is full of practical tips about mentally preparing for safari, reasonable expectations, and the general excitement around any upcoming hunting trip.

Thanks for listening! Please consider following us on wherever you stream, sharing us with a friend, looking us up on instagram, or sending us an email at thenitroexpresspodcast@gmail.com

Friends, we recently decided to add a little more photo and video to our content. To follow along on our safari at Limcroma and see some of the other fun things we do, follow us on Instagram. Our handle is thenitroexpresspodcast.

https://www.instagram.com/thenitroexpresspodcast?igsh=MTBldHQ1dG1zc2NueA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Thank you!

Episode 63 is full of pragmatic field experience on the pinnacle of adrenaline- following up on wounded dangerous game. Matthew and Jon lay out, step by step, the process of following up on your dangerous animal. From tips about gear and rifles to the mental state of mind, we hope you enjoy and that if your time comes to follow one in the thick stuff, this will help you be prepared.

Thanks for listening! Please consider giving our podcast a follow and sharing us with friends. As always, feel free to reach out to us at thenitroexpresspodcast@gmail.com

In episode 62, Jon and Matthew break down the "no no" list of safari. From excessive gear, poor practice, and bad physical condition, things can put a damper on your trip of a lifetime. This is a wonderful companion to our other safari prep style episodes and we hope you enjoy.

As always, feel free to correspond with us via email at thenitroexpresspodcast@gmail.com

In episode 61, Jon and Matthew break down their packing list for going on safari. There are some definite items you need and some that are better left at home. Remember to pack light and use the KISS principle. Along the way the hosts share some stories that have changed their packing over the years.

As always, thank you so much for listening. Please consider sharing us with a friend and sending us an email at thenitroexpresspodcast@gmail.com

In episode 60, Matthew & Jon breakdown their basic process and steps in setting up a new or used rifle to go hunting. Hopefully these processes give you some insight and help you get you rifle field ready.

Thanks for listening! As always feel free to reach out to us at thenitroexpresspodcast@gmail.com

In episode 59, Matthew and Jon cover a deep dive into specific cartridges for all classes of plains game. Africa is a huge continent that houses game from a something as small as a duiker to as large as an eland. We break down plains game into three categories: small, medium, and large and give you recommendations for each category.

Thanks for listening and reach out to us at thenitroexpresspodcast@gmail.com

In episode 58, Jon and Matthew shares their recent projects. Matthew has been working on finding the near perfect turkey shotgun and Jon is looking for the near perfect AR-15. The hosts share their thoughts, gear choices, and things they have been working on.

Cover photo is the patterns from Matthew's 20 gauge Beretta.

Thank you for listening and PLEASE send us some topic suggestions at thenitroexpresspodcast@gmail.com

In this short, Jon and Matthew break down some bargain, quality rifles Jon has found lately, how your deer rifle may be the perfect plains game rifle, and tips for buying off the internet.

Cover photo is a picture of Jon's Whitwortth 375 H&H he bought for $1,200.

Thanks for listening! As always, reach out to us at thenitroexpresspodcast@gmail.com

In episode 57, Matthew and Jon answer a listener question: comparing the different African countries' hunting. This is by no means a comprehensive discussion, but rather a general overview. Jon shares his rhino story as well.

Thanks for listening! Make sure to follow us, share us with a friend, and correspond with us at thenitroexpresspodcast@gmail.com

Friends, in these new segments that will drop every Wednesday starting on February 25, 2026 we sit down with some of the best from the 2026 SCI National Convention in Nashville. Again, we are not in any way sponsored, we just wanted to share some of who we believe are the best with you.

In this episode, we sit down with Mr. Bill Hober, CEO of the Swift Bullet Company. For any of you in the know, you are well aware of Mr. Hober and his quality products. Mr. Hober also shares with us his new bullet, the Z-Bullet that will come out later this year! We hope you enjoy! If you would like to contact them for more information, email Shane at shane@huntthewest.com, visit their website www.swiftbullets.com or one of their many distributors.

Cover photo are Swift A-Frame bullets Matthew has recovered.

Let us know your thoughts at thenitroexpresspodcast@gmail.com. Thanks for listening!

In episode 56, Matthew and Jon want to dispel a common myth, safari rifles must cost $10,000 or more. We cover plains game and dangerous game rifle recommendations as well as ammo suggestions. We break it down into three categories: new, used, and classic. Cravat, dangerous game rifles are not overly budget friendly, but this is a life sustaining piece of kit, so keep that in mind. We hope you enjoy and we will catch you on the next one.

Thanks for listening! As always, feel free to reach out to us at thenitroexpresspodcast@gmail.com

Friends, in these new segments that will drop every Wednesday starting on February 25, 2026 we sit down with some of the best from the 2026 SCI National Convention in Nashville. Again, we are not in any way sponsored, we just wanted to share some of who we believe are the best with you.

In this episode, we sit down with Shane Wolfe from Hunt the West. Shane is Ethan Hale's business partner. They offer application strategy and outfitter recommendations for hunting all species in the western United States. We hope you enjoy! If you would like to contact them for more information, email Shane at shane@huntthewest.com, visit their website www.huntthewest.com or send us an email at thenitroexpresspodcast@gmail.com and we can get you in touch. Thanks for listening!

In episode 55, Jon and Matthew sit down with Dr. Brian Bilderback, a double Doctorate with degrees in both Law and Psychology. Brian dives into the brain and the neurological and psychological aspects of what makes us enjoy hunting, the positive re-enforcements, the cultural and physical health benefits of hunting and spending time in the outdoors.

Thank you for listening and as always, feel free to contact us at thenitroexpressodcast@gmail.com.

Friends, in these new segments that will drop every Wednesday starting on February 25, 2026 we sit down with some of the best from the 2026 SCI National Convention in Nashville. Again, we are not in any way sponsored, we just wanted to share some of who we believe are the best with you.

In this episode, we sit down with Landon Stone from Nighthawk Custom/Cooper Rifles of Arkansas. Nighthawk has long been the gold standard in 1911s and has recently acquired Cooper Rifles and is bringing new life into an iconic brand. We hope you enjoy! If you would like to contact Cooper Rifles for more information, visit their website at cooperrifles.com or send us an email at thenitroexpresspodcast@gmail.com and we can get you in touch. Thanks for listening!

In episode 54, Jon and Matthew sit down with one of the best local turkey hunting experts, LE. LE has over 45 years of turkey hunting expertise. LE breaks down strategy, calls, gear, shotguns, ammunition, and general know how. We hope you enjoy and hope you considered subscribing/following and sharing us with your friends.

As always, feel free to reach out to us at thenitroexpresspodcast@gmail.com

Friends, in these new segments that will drop every Wednesday starting on February 25, 2026 we sit down with some of the best from the 2026 SCI National Convention in Nashville. Again, we are not in any way sponsored, we just wanted to share some of who we believe are the best with you.

In this episode, we sit down with Van's son, Ethan, from White Mountain Trophy Outfitters/Van Hale's Trophy Outfitters. Van is who Jon, Matthew, LE, and Lucas bear hunted with from our episode "Apache Bear" and was the story "Bear Witness" in the June 2025 issue of Safari Magazine. We hope you enjoy! If you would like to contact them for more information, visit their social media or their website www.wm-to.com or send us an email at thenitroexpresspodcast@gmail.com and we can get you in touch. The cover photo is from our bear hunt. Thanks for listening!

Episode 53 is a special look at a hot topic. In this episode, Jon and Matthew sit down with Christo of Mabula Pro Safaris to share some real truth and experience with you from a lion breeder and safari operation. We encourage you to listen with an open mind and focus on facts, not opinion. This is a touchy subject, but it is one worth exploring and we hope you get some fresh perspective from a man who is in the industry and was kind enough to take the time to share the truth about the current situation with us.

If this interests you, check out our other lion episodes: Lion Hunting Considerations and CBL as well as Lion Hunting Technicalities.

Again, a big thank you to Mr. Christo! Thank you for listening and we look forward to hearing from you. Here is a link to Christo's website if you would like to book with him. https://mabulaprosafaris.co.za/contact-us/

We'll catch you on the next one! Cover photo is from some excellent taxidermy seen on display at the SCI show.

Friends, in these new segments that will drop every Wednesday starting on February 25, 2026 we sit down with some of the best from the 2026 SCI National Convention in Nashville. Again, we are not in any way sponsored, we just wanted to share some of who we believe are the best with you.

In this episode, we sit down with Keith from Jack Atcheson and Sons booking agency. Keith is who Jon has booked many, many hunts with. We hope you enjoy! If you would like to contact them for more information, visit their website www.atcheson.com or send us an email at thenitroexpresspodcast@gmail.com and we can get you in touch. The cover photo is Keith and his son Andrew. Thanks for listening!

In episode 52, Jon and Matthew dive into the occult, mystical, and cryptic world of changing ammunition in double rifles. As you know, changing ammunition can cause extreme detrimental performance in the accuracy of your double rifle. However, in this episode, Matthew and Jon share the process of tailoring your hand loaded ammunition to get the most accuracy out of your double rifle. They break down the steps, their process, and valuable lessons along the way.

Two reference materials you must have:

Shooting the British Double Rifle by Graeme Wright

Woodleigh Bullets Reloading Manual or the manual of the bullet of your choice

Thank you for listening! We hope you enjoyed. Please consider following the show if you haven't, sharing us with a friend, or sharing your thoughts on social media. We really appreciate it. As always, reach out with your thoughts, comments, and questions to our email thenitroexpresspodcast@gmail.com

Friends, in these new segments that will drop every Wednesday starting on February 25, 2026 we sit down with some of the best from the 2026 SCI National Convention in Nashville. Again, we are not in any way sponsored, we just wanted to share some of who we believe are the best with you.

In this episode, we sit down with Tim Land from Parkwest Arms. Parkwest is the re-birth of Don Allen's Dakota Arms. You all know how Matthew feels about his Dakota 76 in 280 Remington. Parkwest is, in our opinion, making some of the finest rifles in the world. We hope you enjoy! If you would like to contact them for more information, visit their social media or their website www.parkwestarms.com or send us an email at thenitroexpresspodcast@gmail.com and we can get you in touch. Thanks for listening!

In episode 51, Jon and Matthew give an overview of the convention, folks they saw, new friends they met, and overall impressions of the show. It is an amazing opportunity to see some of the best in the industry in the same place at the same time.

As mentioned, THANK YOU for listening, reaching out, and sharing us with friends. As always, feel free to email us at thenitroexpresspodcast@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing you in the field!

Friends, in these new segments that will drop every Wednesday starting on February 25, 2026 we sit down with some of the best from the 2026 SCI National Convention in Nashville. Again, we are not in any way sponsored, we just wanted to share some of who we believe are the best with you.

In this episode, we sit down with Phillip from Phillip Bronkhorst Safaris. Phillip is who Matthew's first safari was with in 2019. We hope you enjoy! If you would like to contact Phillip for more information, email phillip@pbsafaris.co.za or info@pbsafaris.co.za or send us an email at thenitroexpresspodcast@gmail.com and we can get you in touch. He is also very active on all social media platforms. Thanks for listening!

Friends, in these new segments that will drop every Wednesday starting on February 25, 2026 we sit down with some of the best from the 2026 SCI National Convention in Nashville. Again, we are not in any way sponsored, we just wanted to share some of who we believe are the best with you.

In this episode, we sit down with Ivan from Limcroma Safaris. Limcroma is who we will be hunting with in June 2026. We hope you enjoy! If you would like to contact Limcroma for more information, email office@limcroma.com or send us an email at thenitroexpresspodcast@gmail.com and we can get you in touch. Thanks for listening!

Friends, we have some red hot awesome material coming out for you. In the series starting tomorrow, Feb 21, 2026 we interview some of our favorite people in our business. We are not sponsored by any of them, but wanted to share some of the best quality folks with you. Episodes will drop regularly on Wednesday starting on February 25th. If you're interested in getting ahold of them, check the episode description for contact information or send us an email at thenitroexpresspodcast@gmail.com.

In episode 50, Jon and Matthew walk you through their 10 step process of load development to get the most performance out of your hunting rifle. This is a more technical deep dive, but is invaluable information if you want to get serious about performance and getting the absolute most out of your rifle.

Thank you for listening and we look forward to hearing from you via email at thenitroexpresspodcast@gmail.com

In episode 49, Jon and Matthew compare the common bigger bolt action cartridges: 416s and 458s. We delve into the history and ballistics of the 416 Remington Magnum, 416 Rigby, 458 Winchester Magnum, and the 458 Lott.

Thank you for listening and feel free to correspond with us at thenitroexpresspodcast@gmail.com

In episode 48, Jon and Matthew breakdown some of the general principles of kudu hunting. Discussed is rifle cartridges, bullet choice, and general habits and general species information on one of Africa's greatest trophies. Jon and Matthew both share some hunting stories as well.

Thank you for listening! If you would like a copy of the brochure for Zander Lourens Safaris or to communicate in general, send us an email at thenitroexpresspodcast@gmail.com

In episode 47, Matthew and Jon share their thoughts on Matthew's new Bergara 17HMR and his Banish 22 suppressor. Topics covered include ammo prices, comparing 22LR, 22 Magnum, and 17HMR as well as some thoughts on suppressors and rimfire cartridges for small game. Matthew's Bergara shot a 3 shot group that measure .113 inches at 100 yards (cover photo).

Thank you for listening and please subscribe and share us with your friends! As always, reach out to us at thenitroexpresspodcast@gmail.com

In episode 46, Matthew and Jon dive deeper into the rifles, cartridges, and sighting systems. Jon also shares two more lion hunting stories and Matthew shares some of the structure of the pride and gives a chronological look at the life of male lions.

Thank you for listening and we hope you enjoyed! As always, feel free to correspond with us at thenitroexpresspodcast@gmail.com

In episode 45, Jon and Matthew dive into the hot topic of captive bred lion hunting and Jon shares two stories about hunting lions in South Africa. This is part one of a two part series. As always, the rifle, cartridge, and bullet are discussed as well as some thought on conservation and how sable became more prevalent in South Africa.

Thank you for listening and we hope you have enjoyed it. As always, feel free to correspond with us via email at thenitroexpresspodcast@gmail.com.

In episode 44, Jon and Matthew share their plans to prepare for their upcoming hunt with Limcroma Safaris in June of 2026. More to follow on the process of regulating the ammunition of double rifles to match factory regulation.

Thank you for listening and we'll see you on the next one. As always feel free to reach out to us at thenitroexpresspodcast@gmail.com

In episode 43, Jon and Matthew cover the touchy, emotional aspect of hunting cow elephant. Jon shares his story as well as insight into the emotional aspect and technical information. The conservation aspect for both people and wildlife is thoroughly discussed as well.

Thanks for listening and if you will be at the SCI Convention in February, send us an email at thenitroexpresspodcast@gmail.com and let's see if we can get together.

In episode 42, Matthew and Jon discuss a touchy subject for many, elephant hunting. Your hosts share some insight and lay the groundwork for a new, science based conservation based approach to elephants. Jon shares the story of his first elephant, a personal and life changing experience. We also briefly cover some equipment used. Tune in for the next episode on tuskless cow hunting.

Cover photo is the ivory from Jon's bull.

Thank you for listening and keeping an open mind. As always, feel free to drop us a line at thenitroexpresspodcast@gmail.com.

In episode 41, Jon and Matthew tackle a tough question. If you could only have three guns to hunt North America, what would they be? If you feel we missed the obvious choice, send us an email or leave a comment letting us know.

Thank you for listening, and as always ,feel free to send in your questions, concerns, and podcast ideas to thenitroexpresspodcast@gmail.com

In this episode, Jon and Matthew give you some shopping ideas for the Outdoorsman in your life. We break down a plethora of options at a variety of price points from stocking stuffers to big ticket items.

If you are interested in getting a signed copy of Jon's book The Adventures and Misadventures of Juan Loco, send us an email at thenitroexpresspodcast@gmail.com and before December 10 and we will do our best to get it to you before Christmas. Price is $20 shipped in the lower 48 for the soft covers.

Thanks for listening and we'll catch you on the next one.

In this episode, we'd like to share a few things we are thankful for thing year (2025 not 2026!). We thank you for taking time to listen to our ramblings. We hope you spend time with your family and do what you love this season.

Cover photo is Matthew's buck from this year.

In episode 39, Matthew and Jon barely scratch the surface of the basics of reloading. They begin by understanding the anatomy of the cartridge, then cover chamber pressure. They conclude with the benefits of hand loading, the dangers, and basic equipment needed.

If you would like to see a more detailed episode on how to hand load, leave us a comment or send us an email at thenitroexpresspodcast@gmail.com.

In this short, Jon and Matthew discuss the bare necessities of tools needed to work on your own firearms. This list will grow with your experience and specific collection. This is a great list of basic tools that you will use constantly.

Thank you for listening!

In episode 38, Jon and Matthew list the top 5 hunts on their bucket lists. These are expensive, but would be beyond amazing. If you have a bucket list hunt and aren't sure where to begin, we encourage you to attend the Safari Club International convention in Nashville. See Pro Tips in Passing No. 17 for more information.

Thank you for listening! Feel free to correspond with us at thenitroexpresspodcast@gmail.com.

In this short, Jon and Matthew shares the benefits of attending the SCI Convention in Nashville on February 18-21, 2026. For more show information, visit safari club.org

Cover Photo is some of the taxidermy you can see at the show.

In episode 37, Jon shares of his elk hunt around Cranbrook, BC in the early 2000s. We hope you enjoy the story. This story, as well as others, are covered in his book The Adventures and Misadventures of Juan Loco. It is available on Amazon as well as from us if you would like a signed copy. To order from us, send us an email at thenitroexpresspodcast@gmail.com

In this pro tip in passing, Matthew and Jon share some of the equipment, benefits, and tips on processing your own game. Good luck in the field this fall! We would love to see pictures of your successes and hear the story. Send us an email at thenitroexpresspodcast@gmail.com

Welcome to episode 36 of The Nitro Express Podcast. Hosts Jon and Matthew cover a variety of cartridges for your consideration if you are looking for your first or a new deer rifle. We begin by looking at classic bolt action cartridges, the classic lever action cartridges and conclude sithvsome modern offerings.

Thank you for listening! As always, please consider sharing us with a friend or sending us an email at thenitroexpresspodcast@gamil.com

In this short, Jon and Matthew share some items better left at home. This is by no means a comprehensive list, but some ideas of things better left at home.

Thanks for listening! We hope you enjoyed it and have a successful fall. Send us your pictures and success stories at thenitroexpresspodcast@gmail.com